Identifying The Vicious Thundercloud

PC security is becoming a major problem with Microsoft users. Keeping updated and keeping the guard up is mandatory with users. Naivete can cost you big money in the computing world.

The latest threat — Conficker, a.k.a. as Downup, Downadup, and Kido. This worm is supposedly very advanced.

Unlike viruses, worms self propagate, spreading by networks. “Once it’s out there, it’s very difficult to stop,” Chris Pirillo, a tech expert for CNN.com said.

What is very troubling with this worm, is that the hacker can actually see your screen while you are computing. Which enables him to gather such data as your bank numbers, etc. Beware of this. Online banking can be very risky. Also be careful about credit card numbers being displayed online.

Removal tools can be found at Microsoft, BitDefender, ESET, Symantec, Sophos, and Kaspersky lab. McAfee and AVG can remove this threat with an on-demand scan.

Who has been infected? This part is quite disturbing. The infected parties: French Air Force, Royal Navy, Sheffield Hospital, U.K. Ministry Of Defence, German Bundeswehr, Norwegian police, and believe it or not CBS News. Great story on 60 Minutes in case you missed it. Don’t worry, they’ve fixed the problem.

Microsoft has set a bounty of $250,000 to catch the responsible party.

It would be wise for all to take notice of this threat, and to be cautiously attentive. PC security and maintenance programs are absolutely necessary as computer viruses and worms permeate the World Wide Web.